‘Don’t Believe In God?’ Atheist Billboard Met With Heated Opposition In Colton

[trotsky]

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/01/21/dont-believe-in-god-atheist-billboard-campaign-arrives-in-colton/

The billboard off the 215 Freeway just south of the 10 Freeway junction in Colton reads: “Don’t believe in a God? You are not alone.”

(snip)

Resident Cyndi Bulger doesn’t want it in Colton either: “Everybody’s an individual, so you shouldn’t be told how you should think or what you should believe.”

(snip)

“We want people to know that nontheistic folks like us are a regular part of communities all over the area,” Goings said. “Nontheists are your friends and neighbors, your coworkers and family members. Our nontheistic community focuses on service, and we care deeply about bringing justice and help to others: being good without a god.”

The statement isn’t meant to make fun of religion or anyone who believes in God. Organizers like Rebecca Kitchings say it’s purpose is to educate those looking for other like minded people, to let them know, they do exist: “This is to let other people know that are like us, that don’t believe that there is a community.”

OK setting aside for a moment the logic that somehow responds to "If you don't believe in god, there are other people like you." with "Don't tell others what to think!", here we see religious privilege (and anti-atheist hatred) on full display. Just like so many on DU would prefer, they want atheists to be silent and deferential to religion.

[edhopper]

1. I am sure this bozo

would have no problem with all the religious billboards out there.

Why are they so afraid of people who question the existence of God?

[Iggo]

9. They're afraid their kids will see it...

...and start to think.

[AtheistCrusader]

15. BINGO.

You mean.. there's another way, that doesn't involve me wasting every sunday listening to bullshit?

SIGN ME UP.

[snappyturtle]

2. I don't see it as anti-atheist hatred but rather as language denoting

fear of atheists or that their 'faith' in religion isn't as strong as they thought! imho

[mr blur]

5. Don't these bigots ever listen to themselves?

“Everybody’s an individual, so you shouldn’t be told how you should think or what you should believe.”

I mean...just...

[onager]

6. Great comments...

Some of these people must be reading other DU forums...

Sarah Jones Geer > Luis Garcia • 13 hours ago

The "fuss" is because atheists, according to recent research, are the most hated minority group in America. The "fuss" is because Christians today are trying desperately to push their religion into our laws, schools, and government.

But no- I guess we just shouldn't make a fuss when other people are prejudiced against us and trample our Constitutional rights.

Of course, claiming atheists are belligerent because a billboard simply acknowledges that they EXIST is absurd.

FTR, Colton is in San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles and heading into the desert. The town is near a couple of big Indian gambling casinos - San Miguel and Morongo. That last one is named for a tribe. But considering the reviews I've read about the place, its odds, etc., I always pronounce it as: "Moron, Go!"

[trotsky]

7. "claiming atheists are belligerent because a billboard simply acknowledges that they EXIST is absurd

Nail on the head right there. Great comment about the casino too.

[AlbertCat]

8. "Don't tell others what to think!",

I mean religion would NEVER do such a thing!

It's those DAWKINS!!11!!11 atheists insisting that science has been successful at anything!

"What have the Romans ever done for us?"

&spfreload=10

[ChairmanAgnostic]

10. I think fear and embarrassment are the reason for their response.

They know that their religion is filled with garbage, contradictions, and lies, and if they are ever forced to confront THAT truth, they will realize that they have wasted years, even decades of their pathetic lives, praying to a make-believe critter in the sky.

[Curmudgeoness]

11. Amazing that this harmless statement would provoke them.

Apparently, they are just looking for something to be outraged about. I am sure that they wish the billboard was a more in-your-face type. They really do look pathetic....but it proves the point that we try to make about how our opinions are treated.

[Warren Stupidity]

12. Apparently some people interpret "Don't Believe In God"? as "DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD!"

I guess they are so used to being ordered what to think, that the idea that they could be *asked* what they think is unthinkable.

[Panich52]

13. Wonder what the illogical Ms Bulger thinks of a town that declared

it Is owned by God

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/01/reaction_mostly_positive_after.html

Atheists aren't just most gated minority in the US, but the most hated in history (Jews may disagree)- at least w/ longest record of hatred. Non-believers in a tribal religion were surely ostracized since they challenged the cultural norms (translation: leader's power)

[guillaumeb]

14. nice!

Love you mentioning the link between religion and power. It does not get repeated enough. Separation of church and state is enshrined in the Constitution that few read and fewer understand.
From a believer.